Lori Luhman

The council discussed the Fire Truck Association Joint Power Agreement, emphasizing the need for version control and accurate mapping. Other key topics included the solicitation process for new garbage collection bids, restructuring the Economic Development Authority meetings, recruitment and staffing challenges for the pool, and updating the city's Emergency Operations Plan. Additionally, the council evaluated a new safety training provider, requested improved financial reporting and tracking of restricted funds, approved a road closure for Ag Day, and reviewed a façade grant reimbursement for Vine Haven Hardware. Operational updates were provided regarding the ambulance service, gas meter upgrades, public works vehicle inspections, and strategies to maximize interest on city idle funds.

The meeting commenced with the approval of an amended agenda, which involved removing the Joint Powers Fire Truck Association Agreement from New Business. Key discussions included a consensus that Trinity Church must pay its high utility bill due to a water leak, emphasizing equal treatment for all accounts. The Council appointed Eric Brandt to fill a vacant city council seat following a review of applications. Regarding the 2026 Fee Schedule, the Council approved an increase in the water rate by 5% for three years, excluding pool fees for later discussion. Tobacco license renewals for three locations were pre-approved. The Council reached a consensus not to renew the contract with CEDA for 2026, opting to handle EDA internally with volunteers. Snowplow bids were reviewed and accepted. The Council approved a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for city staff and subsequently approved a 3% salary increase for the City Administrator based on staff reviews. Resolution No. 25-21 was approved, acknowledging the award of a $55,000 grant for Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity, for which the City acts as a pass-through entity. The addition of a Minnesota Paid Leave (MNPL) section to the employee handbook was approved. Furthermore, the Business Façade Improvement Program application for Peter's Insurance was approved. The Public Works Report noted that the water meter replacement program is ongoing. The meeting concluded with council members expressing appreciation for outgoing council member Joe Benda's service.

The council reviewed and approved the consent agenda, which included a lawful gambling permit, an alcohol consumption and display permit, and two donation requests. Deliberations regarding the Fire Truck Association Joint Powers Agreement focused on proposed edits to sections concerning emergency service charges, boundary maps, voting rights, and dissolution asset distribution. The council also established rates for the city-wide cleanup day. Additionally, the council approved a resolution accepting a donation for the pool fund and received a report on a matching grant for a generator purchase and planned pothole repairs.

The work meeting agenda was amended following the removal of the Fire Truck Association Agreement due to the lack of a finalized agreement; concerns regarding the agreement's billing process were discussed further in Council Comments. The Council proceeded with appointing Katie Kurtti to fill a council vacancy and administered the Oath of Office. Committee assignments were discussed, resulting in the appointment of Michael Brunkhorst to the Ambulance representative position and Eric Brandt as Acting Mayor. Other items included a review of snow emergency alert timing, the denial of a cell tower project proposal, and tabling the discussion on rates for the Spring City-Wide Cleanup Day pending further information from Waste Management. The Council agreed to add resolutions and donation requests (for the Lions Club permit, alcohol permit, and two separate foundation donations) to the consent agenda for the subsequent meeting. The request from the Jaycees for financial contribution towards Volksfest security was declined. The Public Works Report noted the receipt of a generator grant for well #1 and ongoing work related to well #3 and water service line replacement funding status. The Emergency Plan review is scheduled for the next work session.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and bills, with clarifications sought on payments related to the fire truck fund, legal fees for a ball field sale, emergency water line repairs, and a scanning project. Old business involved tabling the appointment of a representative to the ambulance committee pending a meeting date confirmation. For the EDA appointment, it was determined no new appointment was needed, and Council Member Nagel will continue managing façade applications. Key new business centered on the Joint Powers Fire Truck Association Agreement, where significant debate occurred regarding governance structure, specifically voting rights and contribution percentages, leading the Council to request the attorney suggest maintaining two representatives per community. The Council also addressed a public comment regarding snow ordinance enforcement timing. Façade Program applications were discussed, including one for a hardware store renovation. Public Works reported adequate snow storage and a resolved parking enforcement issue. Council discussed supporting the Fire Chief as the interim Emergency Management Director, pending review of structural implications. Finally, the interim mayor appointment was confirmed for the next meeting agenda.